The Jean Kvamme Center for Adaptive Riding is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Felton, California, dedicated to healing the body, mind, and spirit through therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship experiences. The center creates joyful, supportive opportunities for individuals with special needs to develop confidence, independence, physical skills, and emotional well-being through meaningful interactions with horses.
Originally known as Lichen Oaks Adaptive Riding Center, the organization was established to provide high-quality adaptive riding opportunities for children, teens, and adults facing physical, cognitive, developmental, and emotional challenges. Today, the center offers a variety of individualized and group programs led by certified therapeutic riding instructors, supported by trained volunteers and specially selected therapy horses.
About This Program
The Jean Kvamme Center provides adaptive horseback riding and therapeutic horsemanship programs designed around each participant’s individual goals, abilities, stamina, and developmental needs. Lessons may be offered in private or group settings and include both mounted and unmounted activities that encourage growth, confidence, and skill development.
Participants engage in activities such as therapeutic riding, grooming, tacking, groundwork, and horsemanship education. The center also offers specialized social and life-skills programs that use horses as partners in learning, helping participants strengthen communication, teamwork, independence, and community engagement.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic riding
- Adaptive horseback riding lessons
- Therapeutic horsemanship programs
- Grooming and tacking instruction
- Groundwork and horse handling activities
- Life Skills With Horses program
- The Hangout social skills program
- Interactive adaptive vaulting
- Summer camps
- Veterans equine-assisted programs
- School field trips
- Volunteer-supported equine programming
Who They Serve
The Jean Kvamme Center for Adaptive Riding may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Veterans
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with ADHD
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with traumatic brain injuries
- Individuals with hearing or visual impairments
- Individuals with spinal cord injuries
- Individuals with multiple sclerosis
- Individuals experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges
- Participants seeking adaptive riding and equine-assisted learning experiences
Facility and Setting
The Jean Kvamme Center operates on Lichen Oaks Ranch in the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains of Felton, California. The property features a tranquil setting surrounded by oak, redwood, and pine trees, creating a peaceful environment that supports therapeutic growth and learning.
The facility includes a 10,000-square-foot covered riding arena, outdoor arena, viewing areas, a nine-stall barn, grooming spaces, and accessible areas designed to support year-round adaptive riding programs. The environment is welcoming, safe, and intentionally designed to help participants connect with horses while working toward personal goals.
What Makes Them Unique
The Jean Kvamme Center stands out for its comprehensive approach to adaptive riding and therapeutic horsemanship. Beyond traditional riding lessons, the organization offers specialized social, vocational, recreational, and veteran-focused programs that help participants build life skills, independence, and community connections through horse-centered experiences.
Another distinguishing feature is its beautiful ranch setting and highly qualified instructional team. Certified therapeutic riding instructors, dedicated volunteers, adaptive equipment, and carefully selected therapy horses work together to provide individualized experiences that foster healing, confidence, and personal growth.